We all knew this coming but the UK Government has formally announced that they are going to introduce legislation to phase in the removal of appeal rights for those refused a visa for a family visit.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2012/may/27-family-millions

I believe that this has been introduced solely because the UKBA loses so many family visit appeals. Now, since charging for appeals was introduced, the Immigration Judge can award costs against UKBA if the appeal is allowed. This is obviously costing UKBA money ! Plus, a new visa application, instead of an appeal, is another visa fee ! The UKBA claims that its processes are transparent. I think many people will be able to see through this.

The UKBA will argue that an applicant refused a family visit visa can still use legal avenues to contest the decision. But, in realistic terms, how many visa applicants are going to seek judicial review in the UK courts ( even if they could afford to ). What it will mean is that visa sections at Embassies will be receiving a lot more work locally, answering written representations from visa applicants and their representatives.